Rani Mukerji wins first National Award for ‘Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway’

Actress Rani Mukerji has won the Best Actress award at the National Film Awards for her powerful and emotionally charged performance in Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway, marking the first National Award of her illustrious career spanning three decades.The jury praised Mukerji for her spirited portrayal of Debika Chatterjee, an Indian mother who takes on a foreign child welfare system to reclaim custody of her children. The film, inspired by the real-life story of Sagarika Chakraborty, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike for its emotional intensity and social relevance.

“I’m overwhelmed... this is validation of my 30-year body of work,” Mukerji said in her statement following the announcement. “As an actor, I’ve been fortunate to work on incredible films and receive immense love, but this recognition feels truly special.”

Thanking the jury and acknowledging the film’s team, she added, “I thank the National Award jury for honoring my work in Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway. My heartfelt gratitude to our producers—Nikkhil Advani, Monisha Advani, Madhu Bhojwani—and our director Ashima Chibber for trusting me with this powerful story.”

Rani dedicated the award to all mothers, saying, “There is nothing like a mother’s love and her ferocity in protecting her own. This film moved me deeply because it told the story of an Indian immigrant mother who took on a nation for her children. I understood the depth of that love even more after becoming a mother myself.”She added, “A mother can move mountains and make the world a better place for her child. This film was a tribute to that strength—and this award makes it even more.(UNI)<>